Depression Flashcards
What is depression classified as?
A mood disorder (or affective disorder).
What are the key characteristics of depression?
Low mood, lack of energy and motivation, and loss of interest in previously pleasurable activities.
How long must symptoms of depression be present for a diagnosis?
At least two weeks.
What is the DSM-5?
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, which categorizes depressive disorders.
What is Major Depressive Disorder?
Severe but often short-term depression.
What does Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder refer to?
Childhood tantrums and severe temper outbursts.
What is Persistent Depressive Disorder?
Long-term, recurring depression, including sustained major depression.
What is a premenstrual dysphoric disorder?
Disruption of mood before and/or during menstruation
What are the two possible changes in activity levels that may occur in depression?
An increase in activity, such as restlessness, or a decrease, like withdrawal from daily life (e.g., not going to work).
How can depression affect sleep patterns?
It can lead to either increased time spent sleeping or a decrease via insomnia or waking very early.
What changes in appetite might be seen in someone with depression?
Appetite may increase, leading to more food consumption, or decrease, resulting in an inability to eat or lack of appetite.
How can depression manifest through aggression and self-harm?
The person may become aggressive towards others, engage in self-harm (e.g., cutting), and this may culminate in suicidal behaviors.
What is the key defining emotional characteristics of depression?
Consistently low moods or sadness, often accompanied by feelings of hopelessness
How can depression manifest through anger?
It may lead to angry outbursts and unpredictable mood swings
How does depression affect interest in activities or hobbies?
The person may lose all interest in activities or hobbies that once brought them joy, which can increase sadness
How is low self-esteem related to depression?
It may involve self-loathing, which can worsen feelings of sadness and hopelessness.
What are cognitive characteristics?
Refers to brain-bases processes which are involved in skills such as thinking, learning, remembering,paying attention and reading
What is a common negative view of the world in depression?
Thoughts that everything will turn out badly and that there is no hope
How do irrational thoughts manifest in depression?
They do not accurately reflect reality but instead mirror the negative mindset of the depressed person.
How is concentration affected in someone with depression?
Concentration may be disturbed, leading to an inability to focus on a specific task.
How does depression affect decision-making?
The person may seem ‘paralysed’ with indecision, unable to commit to a course of action.
What is catastrophising in the context of depression?
An ‘end-of-the-world’ mindset, where even small setbacks are viewed as tragedies or emergencies.
What does Beck’s cognitive approach to explaining depression focus on?
The role of internal mental processes in determinining behaviour
